I NSIGHTS INTO THE M EANING OF L IFE E CCLESIASTES 4:1-16 S OLOMON C ONSIDERS …

I NTRODUCTION Beginning in chapter 4, difficult to trace any basic argument Solomon develops his thoughts in a form similar to the one in Proverbs However some points demonstrate there is organization and purpose : –Repeated emphasis on wisdom –Reference to wealth in each section –The bleak presuppositions of the first two chapters are dealt with, but now from the godly viewpoint.

E CCLESIASTES 4:1 “ Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: And look! The tears of the oppressed, but they have no comforter-on the side of their oppressors there is power, but they have no comforter."

E CCLESIASTES 4:2,3 “ Therefore I praised the dead who were already dead, more than the living who are still alive. Yet, better than both is he who has never existed, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun."

E VIL O PPRESSION The oppressed are powerless —the thought is especially troubling to Solomon Observed the behavior of mankind witnessed the abuse of power and the misery experienced by the afflicted Afflicted without comfort Emphasizes their state of helplessness Equally sad—that cruel men have power Why does God allow it? Does not see the avenger coming as often as he needs to— Exodus 22:21-24

E VIL O PPRESSION He praises the dead more than the living Dead can no longer be oppressed— congratulates them The position of the godless life Seems to be in despair because of the wickedness he sees Same bitterness of Job –Job 3:11-22 “ Praise the dead more than living ” if their lives are right with God! (Revelation 14:13) People prefer death over pain—limited view!

E VIL O PPRESSION Better off…not knowing the evil oppression done by men Never existed —never experienced Where can man go to escape the inhumanities of mankind? Many philosophers have taken this view Jesus said this about Judas –Matthew 26:24 True for person headed to eternal torment Such suffering on earth makes life seem like vanity and futility

E CCLESIASTES 4:4,5 “ Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind. The fool folds his hands And consumes his own flesh."

E CCLESIASTES 4:6,7 “Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind. Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun."

E CCLESIASTES 4:8 “ There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, "For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?" This also is vanity and a grave misfortune."

E CCLESIASTES 4:9,10 “ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up."

E CCLESIASTES 4:11,12 “ Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

F OLLY OF C OMPETITION Seventh vain thing: competition The motivation for “ the top ” is only wealth and power Vanity and makes one’s life unhappy Why do men strive so they can be “ better than their neighbor ?” Envying his neighbor’s good fortune Such striving is vain and worthless –Matthew 16:26 –Luke 12:15 –Hebrews 13:5,6

F OLLY OF C OMPETITION The one who works hard to get to “ the top ” loses out while the fool is so lazy he consumes his own flesh He escapes the “ rat race ” but is consumed with laziness –Proverbs 6:6-11; 21:25,26; 24:33,34 The one “ full of rest ” is the medium ground-- Balance each should seek after Contentment is the key “ Both hands full ”- striving to grasp as much as they can—never full and no rest!

S TOCKPILING OF R ICHES The eighth vain thing: stockpiling riches Vanity for one to work himself to death and deprive himself of good Far better to share with others –Acts 20:35 One works to help others –Ephesians 4:28 Understand the balance Moderation must be practiced Sadly, some must suffer ulcers, heart attacks, nervous breakdown—till light comes on !

V ALUE OF C OMPANIONSHIP Two better than one —companionship will help reduce the difficulties in life Four benefits of companionship : Work is more productive –Proven fact that two people working alone cannot accomplish as much as two working together –Someone to help and it will be easier and faster –One falls another to pick him up

V ALUE OF C OMPANIONSHIP They have a good return —companionship will help reduce the difficulties in life Four benefits of companionship : There is mutual care –Success through co-operative effort –Struggles are part of life can’t be escaped –Right kind of friends and companions are very beneficial –Having someone to “ go at it with you ” gives courage and energy

V ALUE OF C OMPANIONSHIP Warmth —companionship will help reduce the difficulties in life Four benefits of companionship : Principles apply in marriage –Travelers in Israel could gain warmth by sleeping close together (Jeremiah 36:22,30) –One can draw on another’s energy –Companionship will help one “ weather the storm ” –Beautiful when two working for the good of the other !

V ALUE OF C OMPANIONSHIP Safety —companionship will help reduce the difficulties in life Four benefits of companionship : Strength in numbers –A lone traveler can be easily overcome, but with another less likely to suffer harm –Strength like a threefold cord –Full measure of strength difficult to break –Think about this— you, me and God ! –Together we cannot be broken! –Psalm 127:5; 133:1

E CCLESIASTES 4:13 “ Better a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more."

E CCLESIASTES 4:14,15 “ For he comes out of prison to be king, although he was born poor in his kingdom. I saw all the living who walk under the sun; they were with the second youth who stands in his place."

E CCLESIASTES 4:16 “ There was no end of all the people over whom he was made king; Yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind."

T RANSIENCE OF P OPULARITY Discussing the person who seems self- sufficient One that can no longer be admonished Old person may think they are full of “ wisdom ”—needs no one else Everyone needs others Young person who will listen to advice BETTER than old king who has lost the art of receiving graceful instruction No one too old to learn!

T RANSIENCE OF P OPULARITY Seems vss.14,15 speak of a lad comes out of prison and rises to the position of king Even though born poor in his kingdom-- rose in power How far one can climb who is willing to receive instruction? Desiring to find popularity and notoriety will find it fleeting “ Next youth ” probably the next generation to follow—more received and respected

T RANSIENCE OF P OPULARITY Eventually the people who respected new king—will grow tired of him in time Ninth vain thing: trying to please everyone Many folks have the goal of popularity and notoriety in their life Some use any means even if hurts others Sadly, they receive some temporal satisfaction—but it will be fleeting People are fickle— always changing Looking for the next to “ catch their eye ”

C ONCLUSION Never forget these things are looked at from an “ earthly vantage point ” Searching for the meaning of life, purpose, happiness--strictly from the human viewpoint will leave one empty and frustrated Life can make no sense, have a true purpose or meaningful goals when God is left out of the equation!